Monday, January 16, 2006

Why I blog...someone should mention these things...

I was recently asked why I started blogging. My answer was this, in addition to great tips, I wanted moms-to-be and moms and anyone else who's interested to know everything about pregnancy and raising children-even the taboo topics other moms seem to "leave out" in order to not scare others from having children. Plus, I wanted to share not only the good but also the bad, the embarrassing, and the "am I fit to be a parent" moments we all go through (but usually only tell our closest confidant). I reread my first blog entry. I felt motherhood was like some sort of cult and there were certain things you couldn't or shouldn't know until you became a mom. It's ridiculous, really. I wish someone had warned me about all the physical and mental changes associated with birth and having children. Knowledge goes a long way...I plan to use this week to write more about the biggest issues I wished I'd known about during my pregnancy.
I'll start at the bottom-literally. Enemas are no longer standard practice for a woman in labor at the hospital. If you hadn't been warned and plan to have a natural birth, you have to "bear down" like your having a bowel movement. The force of the bearing down is not only going to push out the baby, it’s more than likely going to push out anything in your system. You never see a perfectly coiffed woman with just a touch of perspiration on film or TV soil herself just before the baby arrives. It happens. The nurses don’t care, the doctor doesn’t care, and neither will your husband/partner, doula or family. If the fear of the soiling possibility bothers you though, then you’ll need to have an enema at home or request one at the hospital if they do it.

7 comments:

Fightin' Mad Mary said...

Great post, these topics shouldn't be so taboo.
I can't believe that they don't automaticly give you an enema knowing what's coming...If I ever decide to have a child, now I'll know to ask for an enema, better yet - a full on colonic!
Why does childbirth have to be so messy?

Kelley said...

In this case, beauty after the beast...

Anonymous said...

Funny funny post!! ...I must admit I'd heard this before. But when I did I was surprised at first, then I thought, well yeah, dah, of course. Anyway, my big question is how does that Birthing Hospital Room smell? I mean, with all those bodily fluids bouncing around, can't be too fragrant. I think I'd request an enema and a can of Lysol. Did I just cross a line?

Bloghungry said...

I appreciate your openess. Enemas have become such adult potty humor. Just talking about them makes people cringe. Shit happens people.

Kelley said...

Cross a line? Not on this blog-and as for the birthing room smells-good question. And surprizingly enough-no need for lysol. In fact, I had to have my "water" broken for me (with a tool that looks a lot like a crochet hook). The fluid actually smelled quite "clean & fresh." Do I sound like a douche commercial?

Fightin' Mad Mary said...

oh my goodness - a crochet hook looking thing went where? I'm sure it didn't hurt, but the thought of it just sounds painful!

Give me a C-section with a tummy tuck please!

Kelley said...

LOL!